FBS and Forex.com face off on regulation, costs, and platform access. The matchup tests how much you value safety, pricing transparency, and trading tools.
Forex.com edges FBS on editorial score and regulatory strength, supported by top-tier regulators.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FBS offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 1.00 pips for Forex.com, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
Pros
Very low $1 minimum deposit on Cent accounts
MT4 and MT5 on all account types
Multiple account types including Cent, Zero Spread, and ECN
Widely available across Southeast Asia, MENA, and Africa
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: FBS rates 3.9/5 and Forex.com rates 4.2/5. Forex.com has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
FBS starts from 0 pips, tighter than Forex.com's 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FBS has $1, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes FBS more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Forex.com holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, MAS), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FBS requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, while Forex.com lists up to 50:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Forex.com charges $7 per lot, lower than FBS's $20 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Forex.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Forex.com wins for regulation strength and investor protection through top-tier regulators and robust compensation scheme.
Forex.com wins for advanced charting and platform options.
Forex.com is better suited for scalpers: lower commission ($7/lot).
Forex.com wins for platform variety with MT4, MT5 and a proprietary platform.
FBS wins for beginners with a $1 minimum deposit and accessible Cent accounts that reduce upfront risk for new traders.
FBS offers a broader instrument count at 550 options, supporting diverse trading strategies across asset classes.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.1 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Belize City, Belize | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $1▼ lower | $100 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | $7/lot▼ lower |
|---|
| 2 pips | 1.7 pips▼ lower |
| Max Leverage | 3,000:1 | 50:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $15/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA CySEC IFSC | FCA ASIC MAS IIROC CFTC NFA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
One of the few brokers accepting US retail forex clients
Deep research tools including macro analysis
Raw spread account with competitive $7 round-turn commission
MT4, MT5 and proprietary platforms
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Primary entity uses IFSC Belize, offshore, limited investor protection
Bonus turnover requirements are onerous
Very high leverage (3000:1) is a significant risk factor for retail clients
No top-tier regulatory licence
No investor compensation scheme
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
Cons
$100 minimum deposit is higher than some peers
US clients restricted to 50:1 leverage on major pairs
Raw account pricing not available in all jurisdictions
Inactivity fee applies
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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